Page 31 of Introvert

Arms hugged me, and I squeaked.

"Oh my God."

Looking over my shoulder, I gasped again.

"Santino?" His eyes were closed. He didn't respond. "Um Santino, what are you doing?"

His arms tightened, and in response, I elbowed him in the stomach.

Santinolet me go with a groan—then suddenly went flying backwards. Felix had him by the shirt, yanked him back into the aisle, and dropped him unceremoniously onto his ass.I pulled out my earplugs, looking at the scene in surprise.

"Wake up," Felix demanded.

Santino woke slowly. "What's happening?" he mumbled.

"You're sleepcuddling again."

"Huh?"

"You nearly scared her to death, idiot."

Santino glancedfrom him to me, looking sheepish. "Uh, sorry, Aurora. Iwas asleep."

Sitting up, I shook my head. "I don't understand."

Felix frowned. "Some people sleepwalk. Alvarezsleepcuddles, pulling unsuspecting people to him like a teddy bear."

"Really?"

The person above my bunk suddenly leaned down. It was Hayden. "It's true," he said. "We've all had to kick him out of our beds."

"Sorry," Santino said to me. "I didn't mean…sorry."

"It's okay," I said. "Just don't let it happen again."

While he rubbed the back of his neck, Felix crossed his arms. "He can'tcontrolit. Bestthing we can do is have some cold water handy to throw at him, so he wakes up."

"Or"—Santino grimaced—"you could just shake me gently."

Considering I'd elbowed him and got next-to-no reaction, I didn't think that would work.

Hayden scoffed in agreement. "Yeah right. This wouldn't be happening if Izzy was here."

"Screw you," Santino grumped, and I immediately wondered who Izzy was.

"You know I'm right. She's your favorite cuddlebuddy."

"Even if she can't stand him," Elliot said from somewhere.

"Will you guys shut up?" Ryker growled."Some of us are trying to sleep."

With a grumble, Santino left, and everything was suddenly silent—except the snoring.

Felix stared at me in concern.

"You really okay?" he asked.

I blinked. "Yeah, I'm fine.Thanks for the assist."

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